A Grand Unveiling: Audemars Piguet’s 150th Anniversary Watches – Royal Oak vs. CODE 11.59 in a Pinnacle Showdown!

In 2025, the Swiss luxury watchmaking titan Audemars Piguet (AP) will celebrate the illustrious milestone of its 150th anniversary. To mark this occasion, AP hosted a spectacular launch event at its Le Brassus headquarters, unveiling a series of standout commemorative timepieces. These watches, offered in limited editions, blend AP’s latest technical innovations with design aesthetics, representing the pinnacle of horological artistry.

Today, we invite you to delve into the marvels of these breathtaking watches, spotlighting the distinctive allure of the Royal Oak and CODE 11.59 collections. From the ultimate display of complex functionalities to groundbreaking advances in materials and design, these timepieces are destined to captivate every watch enthusiast!

1. Royal Oak: The Perfect Harmony of Tradition and Innovation

(1) Royal Oak 150th Anniversary Edition

• Materials: Available in stainless steel and 18K sand gold, catering to diverse collector preferences.
• Limited Edition: Only 150 pieces per variant, underscoring their rarity.
• Movement: Powered by the new Calibre 7138 perpetual calendar movement, comprising 422 components and perfected over five years of development. This intricate and precise movement eliminates traditional adjustment pushers, showcasing AP’s technical leap in perpetual calendar design.
• Highlight: The movement’s complex architecture and exquisite craftsmanship pay homage to traditional watchmaking while embracing innovation.

(2) Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Edition

• Design Inspiration: Drawn from AP’s classic openworked perpetual calendar pocket watch, Ref. 25729, merging vintage elegance with modern utility.
• Limited Edition: 150 pieces.
• Retail Price: Approximately 175,000 Swiss Francs.
• Features:
  • Sapphire Crystal Dial: An openworked design that fully reveals the intricate perpetual calendar movement.
  • Titanium Case: Paired with a block-shaped metallic glass bezel, offering lightweight durability.
  • Moonphase Disc: Brand lettering inspired by historical documents, reflecting meticulous attention to detail.
  • Final Edition with Calibre 5135: The discontinuation of this movement marks the end of an era for AP’s perpetual calendar watches.

(3) Royal Oak Offshore Ceramic Edition

• Variants:
  • All-Black Version: Black ceramic case and dial, exuding understated mystique.
  • Green Version: Black ceramic bezel paired with a vibrant green ceramic dial.
• Movements:
  • Green variant powered by the Calibre 4401 self-winding chronograph movement.
  • Black variant equipped with the Calibre 4404 self-winding chronograph movement.
• Price: Approximately 86,900 Swiss Francs (around 700,000 RMB).
• Highlight: The use of ceramic enhances durability while imparting a unique texture and visual impact.

2. CODE 11.59: An Artistic Showcase of Complex Functions

(1) CODE 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie

• Functions: Features three grand complications: Grande Sonnerie (grand strike), Carillon (chiming minute repeater), and Supersonnerie (enhanced chime).
  • Grande Sonnerie: Automatically chimes the hours and quarters.
  • Carillon: Equipped with three hammers and gongs, producing three distinct tones for a more melodious chime.
  • Supersonnerie: A patented case and gong design amplifies chime volume and clarity.
• Limited Edition: Five unique pieces, each one-of-a-kind.
• Materials: Combines black ceramic, platinum, 18K white gold, rose gold, and sand gold.
• Price: Expected to exceed 700,000 Swiss Francs.
• Highlight: A technical masterpiece that perfectly fuses artistry and craftsmanship.

(2) CODE 11.59 Three-Hand and Chronograph Models

• Design: Features grey and signature blue dials with guilloché ripple patterns, exuding refined elegance.
• Materials: White gold case with a blue rubber-coated strap and calfskin lining.
• Price: Approximately 109,300 Swiss Francs.
• Highlight: Simple yet sophisticated, ideal for daily wear while reflecting the wearer’s distinctive taste.

(3) 38mm Sand Gold Edition

• Materials: 18K sand gold case adorned with 235 cut diamonds.
• Movement: Features the Calibre 2968, debuting in the CODE series.
• Price: Approximately 500 billion $.
• Highlight: A luxurious fusion of technology and opulence, a true collector’s piece.

3. Limited Editions and Pricing: Rarity and Collectible Value

The limited production and lofty prices of AP’s 150th anniversary watches are among their most striking attributes. Each timepiece embodies the brand’s heritage and innovation, with their scarcity amplifying their unparalleled collectible value.

Firstly, the Royal Oak 150th Anniversary Editions, available in stainless steel or 18K sand gold, are capped at 150 units each. This low production ensures exclusivity, making every piece a coveted treasure for collectors. The model featuring the new Calibre 7138 perpetual calendar movement, with its 422 components and five-year development, exemplifies horological excellence. This technical feat, paired with limited availability, drives its projected price beyond 700,000 Swiss Francs.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Edition takes rarity to new heights. Limited to 150 pieces and priced at around 175,000 Swiss Francs (approximately 1.42 million RMB), its design draws from the iconic Ref. 25729 pocket watch. The sapphire crystal dial exposes the movement’s complexity, while the titanium case and metallic glass bezel offer lightweight strength. The moonphase, inspired by historical archives, adds a thoughtful touch. As the final model with the Calibre 5135, it’s a tribute to AP’s perpetual calendar legacy and a must-have for collectors.

The CODE 11.59 series also shines with its limited editions. The Grande Sonnerie, Carillon, and Supersonnerie model, produced in five unique variants, is expected to surpass 700,000 Swiss Francs. Its one-of-a-kind nature and intricate complications make it a pinnacle of technical and artistic achievement. Meanwhile, the 38mm sand gold edition, encrusted with 235 diamonds and powered by the Calibre 2968, retails for around 1.2 million RMB, elevating luxury and innovation to new heights.

Additionally, the Royal Oak Offshore Ceramic Editions enhance their collectible appeal through limited releases. Available in all-black and green variants, powered by Calibre 4401 and 4404 respectively, they are priced at approximately 86,900 Swiss Francs (around 700,000 RMB). The ceramic material boosts durability and delivers a striking aesthetic, making them prized targets for enthusiasts.

In summary, the limited editions and high prices of AP’s 150th anniversary watches reflect their rarity and uniqueness, endowing them with extraordinary collectible value. Whether through intricate complications or innovative design, these timepieces are sure to enthrall watch aficionados. Owning one is not just possessing a fine watch—it’s holding an heirloom-worthy work of art.

4. Future Outlook and Market Reception: More Surprises Await

The launch of AP’s 150th anniversary watches is both a tribute to its storied past and a vision for the future of watchmaking. However, their reception in the market has been mixed, particularly with the CODE 11.59 series sparking widespread debate.

Market Reception: Mixed Reviews, Undeniable Highlights

Since its debut, the CODE 11.59 series has been polarizing. Many commentators feel AP didn’t fully showcase its potential initially. As one remarked, “If AP had launched high-end models like these from the start instead of basic ones, people might view CODE 11.59 differently.” Another echoed, “Car manufacturers learned long ago to release premium versions first, then cheaper ones—AP went the opposite way” .

Nevertheless, the series’ complex functions and artistry have earned praise. One reviewer noted, “The dial and movement are stunning—a true work of art.” Another added, “Watches like these prove AP knew what it was doing from the beginning.” The model with Grande Sonnerie, Carillon, and Supersonnerie has been hailed as “a masterpiece blending technology and art” 2.

Yet, the design has drawn critique. One quipped, “Every time I see 11.59, I wonder if I’m stuck in traditional aesthetics. It’s like Hercules with Mr. Blobby’s arms.” Another observed, “The hands don’t match the intricate case and dial—they feel out of place”.

Royal Oak: Balancing Classic and Cutting-Edge

In contrast, the Royal Oak series enjoys more uniform acclaim. Commentators laud its seamless blend of heritage and innovation. One praised, “It injects ‘lux’ into ‘luxury.’” Another exclaimed, “These watches left me jaw-dropped” .

Still, its steep prices have raised eyebrows. One jested, “At this price, the AP CEO should deliver it personally in red velvet gloves with a lifetime warranty.” Another likened seeing the cost to “watching someone get kicked in the groin”.

Future Outlook: Ongoing Breakthroughs in Tech and Art

Despite varied reviews, AP’s technical and artistic strides in these anniversary pieces signal a bold path forward. One commentator said, “AP’s courage to try new designs instead of following trends deserves applause.” Another noted, “Though pricey, CODE 11.59’s design and functions are impressive” .

Looking ahead, AP plans to release more watches in April and September 2025 to further celebrate its 150th anniversary. Whether through advanced complications or pioneering materials and designs, AP will continue to lead the watchmaking industry. As one reviewer put it, “These watches aren’t just technical triumphs—they’re the perfect union of art and craft”

Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary watches are not only a nod to its glorious past but also a glimpse into its future. From the Royal Oak’s classic reinvention to CODE 11.59’s showcase of intricate complications, these timepieces are poised to captivate every watch lover. Though market opinions vary, their limited availability and lofty prices make them prime targets for collectors.

If you’re intrigued by a specific watch or technical detail, feel free to leave a comment—we’d be happy to provide deeper insights!